"Those born in the Year of the Snake are born under the sign of
wisdom," he says. "They tend to be quiet, reflective and
secretive. They are patient and observant but are also highly
ambitious. They choose their moments well and are often
successful in later life."

Using the Chinese lunar calendar, astrologers during the Han
Dynasty (2nd century BC to 2nd century AD) assigned an animal to
each year. They believed the time of your birth predicted your
destiny, and personality traits were outlined for each of the 12
animal zodiac signs, which include a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit,
dragon, snake horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Somerville says snake individuals, born during the lunar years
(which begin and end in late January to early February) of 1929,
1941,1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013, are deep thinkers and
enjoy research and study.They have a good business brain and are
generally shrewd in their dealings. Famous entrepreneurs
who were born during the Year of the Snake include Oprah Winfrey
and Martha Stewart.

"Businesses that are ‘born’ during the year take on those zodiac
traits," she says. "Astrologers also assigned elements to each
year, and 2013 is a year of water. According to the Chinese
astrological belief, water is associated with money, wealth and
commerce. Combine the snake with water, and it could be an
auspicious year to open a business."

Lighthouse and Somerville agree that companies started during a
snake year should not forget the importance of market research
and product development.

"This isn't the time to do anything rash," says Lighthouse. "Move
forward steadily and smoothly. Work hard and keep an even pace to
succeed. It’s a year of steady progress; discipline and attention
to details will help you achieve goals."

If neither you nor your business were born during a Snake year,
there’s still good news; ideas and concepts born this year
benefit from its sign, says Somerville."Interestingly it was in a
Snake year when Apple launched the iconic iPod (2001) and when
the CD (1977) was invented," he says. "Both have impacted the
world so much."

Somerville says the Snake year offers considerable promise for
everyone.

"It is a year for personal development, study and the furthering
of skills," he says. "In this year, which offers so much
potential, it is important that we begin, act upon our aims and
do our personal best. There is a lot now to be gained."